Whether you're already a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing or are thinking of joining, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

If you can't find what you are looking for and would like to talk to a member of our team, you can contact us via email at customer@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.

Becoming a CIH member
Who should apply?

Aynone is welcome to join CIH membership, no matter where you are in your housing career.

Our latest sector updates, advice on policy and practice and housing networks are a few of the member benefits that are designed to support you at every stage of your housing journey.

Our mission is to support housing professionals to create a future in which everyone has a place to call home. we want you to support that mission.

How do I know what type of membership is right for me?

We have four grades of membership which reflect wherever you are in your career. Whether you're a student just starting in housing, a front-line professional looking to move into management, a chief executive or a senior leader wanting to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and the industry, we have a membership grade to suit you.

  • Standard member grade - aimed at individuals who are interested in or working in housing but have not gained a CIH qualification. We often see individuals who are new to the industry, are students or have front line roles, apply for this grade.

  • Certified practitioner grade - aimed at individuals who have achieved a CIH qualification; level 3 or level 4. Or have completed other CIH recognised qualifications at the same level. We often see individuals who are housing officers, middle management or have established a career path and are studying a qualification, apply for this grade.

  • Chartered member grade - aimed at individuals who have achieved a CIH recognised qualification at Level 5 or above, or completed an experiential route accredited by CIH. We often see individuals who are senior managers, aspiring leaders and experienced professionals, apply for this grade.

  • Fellow grade - aimed at individuals who can demonstrate that they have made a significant contribution to the sector. You'll need to be a current chartered member to apply for this grade. We often see individuals who are senior leaders, aspiring leaders and experienced professionals, apply for this grade.

Find out more

How much does membership cost?

Our membership fees are based on the grade of membership you choose. For more information, visit the membership fees page.

If you're a UK taxpayer and you pay your own membership fees, you may be entitled to claim tax relief on your subscription. Find out more on the UK governments website.

How do I join as a new member?

You can apply online by selecting the relevant membership grade for you. Alternatively you can call us on 024 7685 1700 and complete your membership application over the phone.

Your application is subject to approval and a member of the membership team will contact you once it has been reviewed. If you'd like to talk to a member of our team or discuss your eligibility for membership, you can find out contact information here.

Can I apply for a reduced rate?

We offer different concessionary rates for members who provide support or have exceptional circumstances. These classes do not affect your membership grade but will reduce the cost of your subscription. If you would like to discuss this with a member of the team please contact membership.services@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.

How do I reinstate my membership?

To reinstate your membership, please select your applicable grade from the membership grades. Log into MyCIH and start a new membership application.  Your application is subject to approval and a member of the membership team will contact you once it has been reviewed. If you would like to discuss this with a member of the team please contact membership.services@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.

Managing your membership
How do I log in to my.CIH?

If you are having difficulty logging in to my.CIH please read our handy guide and watch our video to help get you registered and logged in.

How do I upgrade my membership?

If you are studying a CIH qualification course:

On completion and "passing" of the CIH qualification, you will be contacted by the membership team about your new grade and how to retain your membership.

Not studying a CIH qualification?

View the different grades of membership and contact the membership team to discuss your upgrade opportunities. 

What support do you provide members experiencing financial difficulty, or a change in personal circumstances?

We offer a career break class of membership for anyone not currently in paid employment. The career break concessionary rate is £68. You can also spread the cost by setting up a direct debit. If you would like to discuss this with a member of the team please contact membership.services@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.

How do I stop my membership if I no longer want to be a CIH member?

Your membership is an annual subscription and it will continue until the end of the current subscription year. If you would like to stop your membership, you must inform us before the end of the current subscription year. We will then ensure that your membership stops automatically at the end of the current subscription year.

If you would like your membership to stop before the end of the current subscription year, please inform us and we will stop your membership. However, we will not be able to refund subscriptions to you or your employer. If you stop your membership with outstanding fees on your account, you may be required to pay those fees before re-joining in the future. It is expected that an employer will have an agreement in place with their employees which forms part of their terms of employment regarding payment of professional membership subscriptions.

For more information, please email us at membership.services@cih.org or call 024 7685 1700.

Where do I find my membership logo?

If you have recently joined the CIH, this can be found in your welcome email. Alternatively, contact membership.services@cih.org and a member of the team will able to assist you.

How do I make a complaint?

It is important to us that any feedback we receive is taken seriously as this helps us learn and make improvements to all of our services. We are committed to providing exceptional service, being accountable and transparent so we can build trust and respect with all of our members and customers. 

Find out more

Logging in and registering for a My CIH account

As a member, you have access to 'My CIH'. You can log in to unlock exclusive membership benefits, update your details and access our CIH digital services.

If you haven't registered for an account with us yet, then you can register your details today. Find out more about logging in and registering.

Are you having trouble logging in or creating your account? Please call us on 024 7685 1700 or email membership.services@cih.org and a member of our membership services team will help you get logged in.

Renewing your membership
How do I renew my membership?

To renew you will need to log in to your membership account on MyCIH. If this is the first time you have tried to log in on CIH's new website, please follow the instructions in the video below. If you've already accessed your MyCIH account on this website but still having issues logging in, please contact us or call 024 7685 1700.

Renewing your membership

Once you have successfully logged into your membership account on MyCIH, please take some time to review your membership and personal information on your profile page.

To access your renewal, navigate to the membership tab on the left-hand side of your MyCIH. On the membership details page, you will see a prompt to renew your membership. Click on the prompt and fill in the information as required. You will be able to pay for your membership via credit/debit card, invoice or Direct Debit. Please ensure you have your purchase order number to hand if your organisation requires it for invoice payments. To pay via Direct Debit, please ensure you have set up an active bank account on the bank account section under your membership tab on your MyCIH.

Please ensure you scroll to the bottom of the page on the payment screen. Bypassing the discount code field, to progress with your membership payment. 

Please contact our membership team if you are unable to see your renewal in your MyCIH area, have a membership related enquiry or would like to make changes to your membership such as a change of class.

Please do not make a new membership application if you wish to change your class.

Pay online via credit/debit card

Paying by credit or debit card?

  1. Login to your MyCIH account here
  2. Click renew your membership
  3. Edit or complete the fee payer address - this is your billing address. Please note: If you're using a company card please select the tick box that says 'is your employer paying for your membership?'
  4. Select your payment method as card and click next
  5. Complete the transaction by completing your card details and select make payment
  6. Then your membership will automatically renew and your payment receipt will be available under my documents in your MyCIH accout between 48-72 hours after payment
Request an invoice for employer to pay

Is your employer paying for your membership?

  1. Login to your MyCIH account here
  2. Click renew your membership
  3. Select the tick box that says 'is your employer paying for your membership?' at the bottom, this will complete the feepayer address. If it's still blank please add your employers address
  4. Select your payment method as invoice
  5. Add in a purchase order number (if you have one) and click next
  6. Now your membership will automatically renew and invoice will automatically go to your employer. Please ensure this is paid promptly to ensure you continue to receive your member benefits.
Pay via Direct Debit

Set up a Direct Debit online

  1. Login to your MyCIH account and go to membership
  2. Here you can find your membership details and you'll need to set up a bank account before you can renew your membership via Direct Debit
  3. Once you've set up a valid bank account go back to your membership details and click renew your membership

Alternatlively you can set up a Direct Debit over the phone on 024 7685 1700 or email us.

Call us

Call the membership team today on 024 7685 1700 to renew over the phone.

Become a member today

Are you ready to join the UK’s biggest housing professional network and get access to our member-exclusive events, resources and support to help you through your housing journey?

Follow the link below and select your membership grade from the options on the page and continue to apply online. Your application is subject to approval and our membership team will contact you once it has been reviewed.

Select your membership grade

Alternatively you can call us on 024 7685 1700 and complete your membership application over the phone.

Membership grades
Demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and the industry, find the right membership for you.
Membership framework
We have a responsibility to maintain professional standards in the housing industry and to ensure housing professionals are equipped to make effective decisions in challenging situations. The purpose of this policy is to set out CIH’s requirements for all grades of membership and outline the terms and conditions entered into as a CIH member.
Code of ethics & conduct
All members are required to adhere to the principles of the code of conduct. The code of conduct also provides information about complaints handling and the disciplinary process that will be followed if an allegation of misconduct is made against a member